Discover landscapes as untamed as they were hundreds of years ago.
Thousands of acres of parkland, preserves and pristine waterways make Seminole County one of Florida’s best environments to discover nature firsthand. Whether canoeing on crystal-clear rivers, enjoying an airboat ride on majestic lakes, or hiking or horseback riding on scenic trails, you’ll see abundant flora and fauna and a wealth of wildlife. Bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, manatees, alligators, turtles, otters and deer are just a few of the natives you’ll encounter. Visit one of the many wilderness areas for such delights as “The Senator,” one of the oldest Bald Cypress trees in America standing 138 feet tall. Or stop by The Central Florida Zoological Park for a look at 400 native and exotic animals from around the world.
Central Florida Zoological Park
3755 NW U.S. Hwy 17-92
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 323-4450
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Connect with nature in just a few hours. Stroll along winding pathways to encounter 100's of mammals, reptiles and birds close-up. Weekend animal programs. A favorite for kids of all ages.
Chuluota Wilderness Area
3895 Curryville Rd
Chuluota, FL 32766
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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White-tailed deer, gopher tortoises and Sherman's fox squirrels abound in Chuluota Wilderness Area's 625 acres of mesic hammock and hardwood swamp.
Econ River Wilderness Area
3795 Old Lockwood Rd
Oviedo, FL 32765
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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The Econ River Wilderness Area includes three miles of trails along the Econlockhatchee River, a natural habitat for the golden mouse and great horned owl.
Geneva Wilderness Area
3501 N. County Rd 426
Geneva, FL 32732
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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Geneva Wilderness Area's 180 acres include a campground, hiking and biking trails and the Ed Yarborough Nature Center, a learning center with a variety of exhibits and educational materials that introduce visitors to the local ecology of Seminole County. The Center's exhibits include living terrariums complete with native flora and fauna, a bird feeding station, insect and butterfly displays and more.
Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
5951 S. Sanford Ave.
Sanford, FL 32773
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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Wildlife lovers will find another three miles of trails in the 490-acre Lake Jesup Wilderness Area where lakeside benches provide a great viewing platform for spotting bald eagles and alligators.
Lake Proctor Wilderness Area
920 W. State Road 46
Geneva, FL 32732
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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More than six miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails await explorers of Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, home to the Florida worm lizard and red fox.
Site is designed solely as a canoe launch.
Spring Hammock Preserve
2984 Osprey Trail
Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: (407) 665-7352
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Once known as "Devil's Bend," Spring Hammock Preserve offers visitors access to more than 1,500 acres of wilderness on the western border of Lake Jesup. Fish at Soldier's Creek, visit the Environmental Studies Center, or gape in awe at "The Senator," a 3,500 year-old Cypress.
Connect with nature in just a few hours. Stroll along winding pathways to encounter 100's of mammals, reptiles and birds close-up. Weekend animal programs. A favorite for kids of all ages.
